2011 Wisconsin fishing season is in full swing. The areas around here are full of fishermen looking to reel in that perfect catch. Summertime is a great time for fishing, but there are requirements just like any other activity. Fishing is considered a form of hunting, so to legally catch and keep fish you are going to need a Wisconsin fishing permit.
You can obtain these from many different places. I usually get mine at retail stores in the state. Most sell them. Places such as K-Mart, Wal-Mart, Ace Hardware, and others all carry licenses and have been places were I have gotten them before. Other locations such as Gander Mountain and Cabela’s also feature license agreements and other fishing supply needs. You can also obtain them at local businesses and local convenience stores. Most areas around Wisconsin have them. If it’s a shop located on or next to the Mississippi, more than likely you can find one there.
The costs are usually updated annually. Wisconsin fishing license prices haven’t really gone up over the years. For local residents of the state, you will find that $15-$20 is the price range you will be looking at. For out-of-state anglers, the price may be a few dollars higher, but nothing over $40. Most out-of-state residents are offered weekly permits and such if they are just coming to the state for a fishing trip or are there for a weekend visit. Those passes will run you around $5 each and are available to in-state residents as well.
As far as kids wanting to fish there are a few regulations there as well. Most of the time the Wisconsin DNR wants you fishing with an adult if you are under the age of 12. This prevents little hazards and such, and is a general rule for wherever you decide to fish. For those youngsters wanting to fish, they won’t need a license until they are 16 years of age in the state. That rule goes for most other states as well. If you are under that age, enjoy all the free fishing while it lasts!
Kids also have other luxuries when it comes to fishing. There are a few sites and parks along Wisconsin that offer free fishing tournaments or weekend events. This allows the kids to get out and get some fishing in, and the adults get to tag along as well for the free fun. Check with local area parks and sites and see what they offer for summertime events like that. Most have at least one weekend they set aside for a kid’s fishing weekend, as well as a weekend for disabled fishers to enjoy some time out on the water.
As far as dates are concerned, fishing license will last for a year after they are purchased. Most will have the start and end dates placed on the license when it is purchased. If you have any questions you can always call up your state’s department of natural resources for more information or any out-of-the-blue questions you may have. There are also certain times during the year when you cannot fish, and those are outlined for you on local Wisconsin sites and such. If you want to go ahead and use your fishing license in the winter time, go right on ahead! The license doesn’t have any restrictions against ice fishing, but enter the ice at your own risk!
You can also obtain your license online at the Wisconsin DNR site. The site is full of facts, information, and articles based on your fishing and/or hunting needs. It is a great site to visit before you go out and just wing it.I would recommend checking it out before you get your license just to get some basic guidelines and be sent on your way.
I hope you found this article helpful and that you reach great success in reeling in that one special fish. Enjoy your summer of fishing and remember to look up your size regulations to see if it’s a keeper or not.
Author Unknown, “Fishing Wisconsin,” Wisconsin DNR.
